launched rocketattacks.israel's armyradio says missiles landed just outside jerusalem and there are no reported casualties. but it marks a worrying escalation following an israeli air strike on wednesday that killed hamas' military leader. since then an israeli military spokesman says more than 500 missiles have been fired from gaza into israel. joining us now is michael o'hanlon, who is director of research and a senior foreign policy fellow at the brookings institution and with us here in new york, former u.s. ambassador mark ginsberg, who is also a former white house adviser on the middle east. ambassador ginsberg, given the fact that these missile attacks occur almost on a routine basis across that border, why have things escalated this week? >> it is a question that no one really has a good answer to other than the attack on hamas' military leader. the fact of the matter is this escalation has resulted in a cross-border war that almost is beginning to resemble a 2008 war. why? perhaps hamas has decided on instig gation from iran that it basically needs to provoke

in the days ahead the united states will work with our partners hereinisraelandacross the region toward an outcome that bolsters security for the people of israel. improved conditions for the people of gaza and move toward a comprehensive peace for all people in the region. i thank you, prime minister, for your hospitality and look forward to our discussion. >> thank you. >> that was secretary of state hillary clinton who has just arrived in jerusalem speaking with benjamin netanyahu. we will be back in a moment. [ man thinking ] oh, this gas. those antacids aren't working. oh no, not that, not here! [ male announcer ] antacids don't relieve gas. gas-x is designed to relieve gas. gas-x. the gas xperts. woman: what do you mean, homeowners insurance doesn't cover floods? [ heart rate increases ] man: a few inches of water caused all this? [ heart rate increases ] woman #2: but i don't even live near the water. what you don't know about flood insurance may shock you -- including the fact that a preferred risk policy starts as low as $129 a year. for an agent, call the number that appears o

mass to stop rocket attackssayingisraelhasthe right to defend itself. we're on the ground in gaza. hamas has vowed to continue what it calls its resistance. there have been anti-israeli demonstrations in egypt. is this conflict about to become something much more profound, prolonged, and serious? >> reporter: well, it certainly has the potential to, and it's important to emphasize really this chapter in a prolonged conflict between israel and the palestinians certainly has entered into a new dimension when it comes to the gaza strip. this isn't the first time they have exchanged this type of gunfire. in fact, we saw four years ago the operation that was unfolded, very reminiscent of what we're seeing now. that's the concern many palestinians have here. 1.5 million people in gaza bracing themselves for more violence. the concern is whether israel will launch a ground offensive. there is precedence for it. that's why many palestinians are fearful that in the coming days this can only get worse. a lot of people are questioning the effects of all of this. why is israel continuing to c

,israelisdemanding that hamas stop firing rockets across the border. is there a willingness to do this or has the number of civilian casualties made a cease-fire now much less likely? >> well, you know, the fact that the negotiations are ongoing is an indication that palestinian factions can abide by the truce. in fact, in the past it's been on multiple occasions documented that palestinian factions have been committed to the truce until there's been some kind of violation, if you will, from the israeli side that israel justifies as an act in its own security. nonetheless, palestinian factions say they have abided by it in the past, they would abide by it again in the future if there is one in place. the question is can they get to that agreement in the next couple hours before time runs out. and the question really surrounding the truce have to deal with the cessation of hostilities. israel wants an immediate cessation of hostilities. then enter into negotiations about lifting a five-year-old siege and blockade on gaza. palestinians say that is unacceptable. that it has to be an

cooperationbetweenisraelandgaza in the near future. >> the united states welcomes the agreement today for a cease-fire in gaza, for it to hold, the rocket attacks must end. a broader calm returned. the people of this region deserve the chance to live free from fear and violence and today's agreement is a step in the right direction that we should build on. >> this news comes after more than a week of violence that claimed 140 palestinian and 5 israeli lives. obviously, this day belongs to the israelis and palestinians. but americans should also look at today as proof that we got it right on election day. i want you to take a look at that scene again. that moment lasted just a few minutes. but it represents a week of slow, deliberate diplomacy by the president, secretary clinton and obama's foreign policy team. and a lot of patience. there was no sabre rattling, no caustic words, no cheap shots. for that you needed to turn to the republicans. >> if this god forbid conflict escalates, again, it is a sign of american weakness throughout the region. before in crises henry kissinger or jim

of benjamin netanyahu who goes on to become prime ministerofisrael. thenin 1977, he takes a position at another consulting firm, bain & company. after a few years, the company's ceo and founder, bill bain, asks romney to head up a spinoff -- bain capital. >> mitt was hesitant. he was making a good salary. he had a growing family, and he essentially said no. and bill bain said run this new company called bain capital, and if it fails, i'll bring you back to bain & company. so you sort of can't lose. >> bain capital initially invests in startup companies. in 1986, after a tough two years, bain strikes it big. >> we invested in staples early in the year and staples and -- in pretty short order started doing well. we also helped start sports authority, bright horizons, all within a six or nine-month period. >> romney helps launch staples, not only with money, but with business and strategic advice. >> this can be a hundred stores so it looks like it could be something big. >> mitt was critical. he acted as our lead investor. and a lead investor in an early stage company is very important